Resumption of 2G internet services last week has not ended the woes of subscribers as many have complained that even 2G services aren’t functioning on some networks and they are unable to surf many important websites due to restricted access.
Srinagar
The Jammu & Kashmir administration, which is grappling with complaints after resuming lowspeed 2G internet services and select broadband connections in Kashmir, is likely to formulate a new list of websites which cannot be accessed –– a change from the current list of websites which can accessed. The new list being planned, locally called the ‘Black List’, would help the authorities when the internet is restored completely. Service providers are currently facing difficulties in ensuring restricted access to subscribers. Officials are tight-lipped on the further course of action regarding internet access but resumption of broadband services is being considered and could be restored soon. “In this universe of internet, only blacklisting websites will ensure that we can track any problematic development online. Otherwise, it will be a mess. Social media will continue to remain suspended here,” an official said. Resumption of 2G internet services last week has not ended the woes of subscribers as they are unable to surf many important websites due to restricted access and struggle to open even ‘white listed’ websites owing to extremely low speed, a source said. Subscribers complained that even 2G services aren’t functioning on some networks in Kashmir, including mobile phone connections on roaming and currently operating from the Valley. The J&K administration on January 24 ordered the resumption of 2G services across all networks on both pre- and post-paid mobile phone services in Kashmir. The order mentioned that access would be restricted to 301 white-listed websites and no social media could be accessed. “No internet was better than this illusion of internet. At this ‘tortoise speed’, it is a farce and cannot be called connectivity,” said Afrooz Mukhtar, a college student who was unable to fill his examination form online. The administration snapped all forms of communication and internet services on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of special status to J&K. The government then resumed landline phone services in the last week of September; post-paid mobile phones on October 14, 2019; and prepaid connections in January following a Supreme Court order regarding internet suspension in J&K. The restrictions have forced many subscribers to either download VPNs (virtual private networks) which help them to circumvent the ban and access social media websites. “I have downloaded at least five VPNs, which connect me through virtual networks based in different countries just to be able to use Instagram or Twitter. But this exposes me to the dark alley of the internet, where my personal or professional information in the phone is at risk,” said another subscriber. (ET)
